Learn the key difference between WordPress.org and .com Understand which platform is best for your website with a detailed comparison table. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
What is WordPress.org?
WordPress.org is the self-hosted version of WordPress. It gives you full control over your website — from themes and plugins to custom coding. You need to buy a hosting plan and domain name separately, but in return, you get complete flexibility and ownership of your site.
This version is ideal for business websites, eCommerce stores, and professional blogs that need advanced features and custom designs.
Key Highlights:
- You host your website yourself.
- Full access to themes, plugins, and code.
- Complete ownership of your site and its data.
What is WordPress.com?
WordPress.com is a fully hosted platform that takes care of all technical parts of running a website for you. You don’t have to worry about hosting, maintenance, or security. It’s managed by Automattic, the company founded by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg.
It’s perfect for beginners who want to create a website or blog without handling technical work. However, customization and plugin usage are limited unless you upgrade to a paid plan.
Key Highlights:
- Hosting is included.
- Automatic updates and backups.
- Limited control and customization unless you pay.
Difference Between WordPress.org and .com
Below, we have discussed the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org in table format –
| Features | WordPress.com | WordPress.org |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Free hosting provided by WordPress.com | Requires your own hosting provider |
| Domain Name | Free subdomain (e.g., yoursite.wordpress.com) | Custom domain (e.g., yoursite.com) |
| Cost | Free with limited features; paid plans available | Free software, but hosting and domain cost extra |
| Customization | Limited theme and plugin access | Full access to install any theme or plugin |
| Monetization | Restricted; WordPress shows ads on free sites | Fully monetizable (AdSense, affiliate, etc.) |
| Maintenance | Automatically handled by WordPress.com | You manage updates, backups, and security |
| Storage Space | Limited on free plan | Depends on hosting provider |
| SEO Control | Basic SEO tools in free plan | Full SEO control with plugins like Yoast SEO |
| E-commerce Support | Only available on Business plan or higher | Full WooCommerce support for free |
| Site Ownership | Owned and controlled by WordPress.com | 100% ownership and control by you |
| Coding Access | Not allowed on free plans | Full access to modify code and database |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose WordPress.com if you’re a beginner who wants a quick and hassle-free setup for personal blogging or portfolio websites.
- Choose WordPress.org if you want to build a professional, scalable, and fully customizable website with full ownership and freedom.
Final Thoughts
Both WordPress.com and WordPress.org are powerful in their own ways. The main difference lies in control, customization, and ownership. If you’re serious about growing your brand, business, or blog, WordPress.org is the better long-term choice.